COLUMBUS, Ohio -
The University of Oklahoma wrestling team moved to 9-3 after defeating Iowa, 18-18, by criteria in the semifinals of the National Duals today in Columbus, Ohio. Oklahoma won by criteria eight, which states that the team with the most near falls shall win. Oklahoma recorded 11 near falls while Iowa received none. This win puts the Sooners in a bedlam match against Oklahoma State tomorrow in the finals.

"This team has faced more adversity than any team that I have been a part of," said head coach Jack Spates. "I have always told our guys that adversity builds character and seeing this team in the finals is like Rudy and Rocky combined."

Once again the Sooners received a huge pin from true freshman Teyon Ware. Ware pinned Iowa's Luke Moffitt with :12 seconds left in the third period of the 141 pound match. Sooner Bo Maynes defeated third ranked Luke Eustice at 125 pounds by a score of 7-2. Oklahoma also recorded wins at 165 and 174 pounds when Sooner Wes Roberts defeated Adam Fellers, 9-5, and senior Robbie Waller defeated Tyler Nixt, 4-1.

Oklahoma received a decision from 197-pound senior Tom Grossman over Trey Clark to tie the match. That sent the heavyweights out onto the mat to decide the dual. Oklahoma's Joel Tapler was forced to declare an injury default over Iowa's Steve Mocco in the first period.

Iowa came out on top of the 133-pound match when Cliff Moore decisioned Sooner Witt Durden, 7-3. Oklahoma also fell at 149 pounds as sophomore Matt Grice lost a 4-2 battle to Ty Eustice. Junior Rafael Maturino was defeated in sudden death overtime at 157 pounds when Joe Johnston scored a takeodown for the 10-8 victory. All-American Josh Lambrecht lost a close match to Jessman Smith at 184 pounds. Iowa's Smith won by a 6-5 decision over Lambrecht.

Oklahoma will face in-state rival Oklahoma State tomorrow in the finals at 3 p.m. EST in Columbus, Ohio.

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